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PM covers a broad spectrum of issues relevant to all sections of Australia's geographically and culturally diverse community. It looks behind political, economic, industrial, business, social, cultural, rural, regional and arts stories. Below is the program summary with links to transcripts and audio (if available).

Iguana Joe's controversy crawls into Parliament

Uproar in Parliament after the Federal Government and Opposition argued over the behaviour of Labor backbencher Belinda Neal and the Prime Minister's declaration last week, in Japan, that there appeared to be 'a pattern of unacceptable behaviour'.

Rising oil prices concern to central bank

One of the factors worrying Australia's Reserve Bank is the rising cost of fuel. In the newly released minutes of its board meeting a fortnight ago, the RBA says that rising fuel costs were already contributing significantly to consumer price inflation. But the board minutes suggest that even so, the central bank was less concerned about inflation now than it had been in May.

Vaccine now available against potential bird flu pandemic

Australia now has its own vaccine against a potential bird flu pandemic. Making the announcement this afternoon, the Federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon said ithat if bird flu was to spread to humans, medical officials here would now be able to respond quickly.

Iemma sacrifices union relationship for electricity bill

The New South Wales Premier Morris Iemma may have averted the near certain defeat of his electricity privatisation bill - by striking a deal with the Opposition. But that's only created more trouble for him within his own party.

Senate committee rejects cash payments to Stolen Generations

A Senate committee has rejected a bid to make individual cash payments to members of the Stolen Generations, but is recommending the setting up of a National Indigenous Healing Fund. Members of the Stolen Generations say they're not ready to give up their fight for direct compensation.

SA Govt formally apologises to sexual abuse victims

The South Australian Government and Opposition formally said sorry today to hundreds of victims of sexual abuse. Some of the abuse victims wept and embraced as the Premier apologised on behalf of his and previous governments, but more than 200 victims are still proceeding with a compensation case against the Government.

18-month-old twins dead in potential neglect case

Disbelief and disgust in Queensland at revelations in the case of twin toddlers who appear to have died of starvation and neglect. The parents are in custody and will be brought back to court on Thursday for a bail hearing once autopsies are completed on the toddlers.

New study dismisses ginkgo biloba as Alzheimer's treatment

Disappointing news today for people who'd placed their hopes in a herbal extract to stave off Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia, as a study carried out by Imperial College London has found that ginkgo biloba, which is marketed as an aid to memory, has no significant impact on mental function or quality of life.

Students sign pledge not to join the dole queue

Thousands of high school students will this week sign a pledge to not join the dole queue, and go on instead to further education or employment. In some parts of Australia's more disadvantaged areas, as many as 25 per cent of teenagers are looking for full-time work.